How She Developed a High-Rise in Miami at Just 28 Years Old with Lissette Calderon, Ep. 731

Lissette Calderon is the founder and CEO of Neology Group, a vertically integrated, impact-driven development firm based in Miami. As the first Latina to lead a major development firm in her hometown, she’s led the transformation of the Miami River and Allapattah neighborhoods through “attainable luxury”—providing high-quality, amenitized housing for the local workforce. With over 1,500 units developed and more on the way, Lissette proves that profitability and purpose can—and should—coexist.

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Key Takeaways

• Lissette began her development career at The Related Group and went on to break ground on her first high-rise—Neo Lofts—at just 28.

• Neology’s focus on “attainable luxury” creates aspirational, amenitized workforce housing in overlooked neighborhoods.

• Her team uses public-private partnerships, cultural awareness, and design-forward thinking to catalyze community growth.

• Lissette bootstrapped her first deals through savings, small checks, and networking her way to institutional equity partners.

• She views workforce housing as both a business opportunity and a social mission to serve overlooked middle-income renters.

Topics

From Wall Street to the Miami River

• Started as an investment banker but realized her passion was in real estate development.

• Left banking to work for The Related Group—eventually becoming their first female developer.

• Used her experience to launch Neology and develop her first major project, Neo Lofts.

Why Lissette Focuses on Workforce Housing

• Identified unmet demand from up-and-coming professionals being priced out of desirable locations.

• Targets neighborhoods with potential (e.g., Miami River, Allapattah) and adds value through design, amenities, and affordability.

• Believes in “impact per square foot,” building purpose-driven communities, not just properties.

Executing a Vision Without a Playbook

• Faced skepticism from lenders and investors when pioneering the Miami River corridor.

• Collected 199 condo reservations in 3 months to prove demand and secure financing.

• Partnered with the city to reopen parks and build early phases of the Miami Riverwalk.

Scaling Development Without Losing Soul

• Developed over 1,500 units, including 40-story high-rises and ground-up towers in emerging areas.

• Opened “Fourteen” with 237 units in Allapattah—67% leased in two months.

• Blends institutional discipline with local cultural integrity and community engagement.

Advice for Aspiring Developers

• Start by working under an experienced developer or firm to learn the process and build relationships.

• If going solo, begin with smaller, less risky projects like townhomes or build-for-rent.

• Execution, discipline, and team-building are essential to success—vision alone isn’t enough.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Lissette up for success: Leaving investment banking felt like failure at the time, but it opened the door to her true path in development.

Digital or mobile resource: AI tools for leasing, construction, and resident experience. Also uses Monday.com for real-time collaboration and task tracking across projects.

Book recommendation: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight — for its honest portrayal of entrepreneurship, grit, and resilience.

Daily habit: Spends five minutes each morning in silent gratitude and intention-setting—grounding her day in purpose.

#1 insight for being a successful developer: Blend passion, purpose, vision, and execution. You need all four for success—none can stand alone.

Favorite restaurant in Miami, FL: Versailles.

Next Steps

• Learn more at neologylife.com

• Follow Lissette’s journey on social to see how design, culture, and business can intersect for good

• Look beyond profits—invest in projects that uplift communities and create long-term value

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